In an exciting new move, the BKPA is now supporting patient centred research in an exciting new collaboration with the British Renal Society.

 

With a commitment of up to £100,000 each year for the next three years, the BKPA is working with the British Renal Society to support their annual Grants Awards. 

 

These Awards, now in their 10^th year, are given to a wide range of health professionals working with kidney patients, including dieticians, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, and social workers, as well as clinical scientists and nephrologists.

 

Generally, grants to undertake clinical research directly related to patient needs have been difficult to obtain from ‘traditional’ sources of funding, especially for non-medical professionals. These BRS Grant Awards are therefore particularly important as a means of researching best practice and practical solutions for kidney patients.

 

Each year, around five projects are selected from a large number of applications, each one subjected to a rigorous process of peer review and feedback. Over the last 10 years, 45 project grants have been awarded.

 

This year the Grant Award winners’ research will look at:

-   the possible benefit and safety of weight loss surgery in obese patients undergoing haemodialysis

 

-   barriers and motivators to establishing an exercise programme for patients whilst on dialysis

 

-   the feasibility of using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) in people with CKD and hypertension

 

-   piloting a novel intervention for improving phosphate control in non-adherent haemodialysis patients

 

-   assessment of the use of periodontal health in assessing risk factors for people with CKD

 

Rosemary Macri, Chief Executive of the BKPA says, “This is a really exciting research collaboration for the BKPA and one which we believe will directly help to improve the quality of life for those affected by kidney disease – and that’s our ultimate goal.”